Using Google Groups as a key component to building a collaborative learning community






What is a Google Group? (5 minutes)
- "meeting place" that can be used to hold threaded discussions about our reading, writing, learning and thinking.
Take the next 5 minutes to check out examples of students pushing their thinking as readers and writers using Google Groups.

Example Shared Learning Opportunities Using Google Groups:

· Threaded Critical Reading and Writing Responses/Replies/Reflections –
in class, with other classes, across buildings...
o Example: https://groups.google.com/a/lpsk12.org/group/annak/topics
o Example:
Example: https://groups.google.com/a/lpsk12.org/group/Anna/topics
· Literature Circles
o Example: https://groups.google.com/a/lpsk12.org/group/literature-circle---homeless-bird/topics?hl=en
Homeless Bird - Literary Connection to our Non-Fiction study of Ancient India
· Poetic Form
o Example:
o Example:
Homeless Bird - Literary Connection to our Non-Fiction study of Ancient India with a focus on setting/mood/tone/descriptive details
· Shared Learning or Core Content Knowledge
o Example:
o Example:
o Example:
· Free Writes
o Example:
· Interest Journals
o Example:







Why use Google Groups?
STUDENTS
Pushes Student Thinking and Overall Reading and Writing Skills:
  • They know that others will see their writing and thinking, therefore, they are more thoughtful and careful.
  • Builds a larger sense of COMMUNITY within the class, other classes and across buildings.
  • Provides students with peer mentor text and modeling to build upon and deepen their thinking.
  • Provides an opportunity to reflect and synthesize their learning.
  • They can't lose the assignment!
TEACHERS
Formative Evaluation and Teaching Extension Tool:
  • Can be used to formatively assess students' needs and depth of application and understanding.
  • Can be implemented in an asynchronous model, extending students' thinking beyond our classroom walls.
  • Discussions can also be monitored.






How do we support our collaborative online community? (5 minutes)
· Provide Strong Mentor Text
· Examples:
· Model Using Student Examples
· Examples:
· Teach Participate as a Reader/Writer WITH our Students
· Examples:
· Provide Clear Rubrics
· Examples: http://hamillwiki.wikispaces.com/Discussion+Rubric
· Establish Guidelines for Online Community
· Examples:






How do you see yourself using this tool to support the development of content knowledge and student reflection?
(5 minutes)
Click here to participate:
DOGGIE BAG TAKE AWAY